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Schrimscher · 04-15-2011, 11:47 AM

Aybody ever replaced the roof seal ? During our last heavy rain, I had a leak at my forward AC unit. I snugged up the four hold down bolts...no help. It looked like the water was coming from ABOVE the seal. Got up on top when the weather cleared removed the cover, but everything looked dry?? I caulked around the front/bottom of the plenium cover that was slightly wet as a precaution. Maybe that did it....won't know until the next heavy rain??? In anticipation that it didn't, my next shot would be replacing the roof seal or any suggestion you guys have. Any advice on the leak or tips on replacing the seal? Thanks in advance.

rsflight · 04-15-2011, 12:43 PM

When we replaced the roof, we had both A/C units off the roof. The pictures in the RV-reroof link, below, shows at least one picture of the seal & bottom side of the A/C unit. I apply chaulk at the gasket to roof location as an extra level of insurance. To replace the leaking gasket involves disconnecting electrical wires, unbolting it's clamps, and cutting the old gasket apart. Clean all sealing surfaces and remove old gasket materials & glues then reverse the process. I have a helper to move the unit around and maintain position while bolting it back down.

While you have the A/C unit off look for long screws on the bottom of the unit. Years ago we had a long screw wear a hole in the roof that caused a leak. I ground it back, sealed the roof and added an extra rubber pad on the roof. That leak never came back.

walt2137 · 04-15-2011, 04:33 PM

The 4 hold bolts are supposed to be torqued to about 40 INCH Lb, I would be surprised if your AC gasket is bad, I was told by a a Dometic tec a few yrs ago to loosen the hold down bolts (4 ) and let the gasket relax for a few hrs then tighten to 38 to 45 inch lb..
To remove the AC cut off the AC breaker then remove the 2 amp 12V fuse (that is for the comfort control) remove the cover to wiring and undo them remove the 4 hold down screws, then you will need help to lift the AC off or if no help just lift the front and tip to the rear being careful with the duct work.

Schrimscher · 04-16-2011, 10:32 AM

Thanks for the info and I'll try slacking off the hoddown bolts for a day and then re-torquing.....easy one first!! And then the next step?? Boy, that was some re-roof job that RSFLIGHT did !! Thanks to you both.

Radarman · 04-17-2011, 04:00 PM

Schrimscher-- My 2 cents are that your roof seals are probably good, and it is true you don't need to torque the 4 seal bolts very tight. Here is what I found out: water down the unit with a hose from all angles, remove the cover, and check for any water travelling from the rear condenser area to the front area where the roof opening is. There are baffles/barriers to prevent this. Many times the old sealant/caulk has deteriorated and allows water to move forward causing a drip. Recaulk/seal those water stop channels, wait a few days, and do the water teat again. Hope this helps.